Alex Taborta and Esther A. danced inside Pan y Cafe during Fiesta Verano last Saturday, Aug. 4. The second part of the Chelsea Art Walk had a hard time avoiding rain this year, having been cancelled once due to rain. On Saturday, organizers decided to go for broke, and moved the event inside Pan Y Café – courtesy of owner Roy Avellaneda. Several acts performed inside, and the Latin-themed afternoon was a hit.

The Western Front company is proposing to locate a medical marijuana dispensary and a marijuana industry training program at the Parkway Plaza off of Webster Street.

A public meeting to hear and discuss the proposal will be held at City Hall tonight, Aug. 9, at 6 p.m.

Attorney Tim Flaherty said that Western Front is led by Marvin E. Gilmore Jr., a World War II veteran who has spent most of his life helping low-income people get into profitable industries so that they could move into the middle class.

Flaherty said the state Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) has already certified Western Front as an Economic Empowerment proposal, which makes it unique compared to traditional proposals. It also puts it somewhat on the fast-track in the state process. Chelsea is designated as a community where Economic Empowerment proposals are allowed due to what is termed an inequitable enforcement of drug laws regarding marijuana in the past.

Flaherty said to be certified, a proposal has to meet three of six criteria, and Western Front met all six.

“This is a very appropriate site we think for this use and complies with zoning in Chelsea,” said Flaherty. “What we will do with the space is we will operate a dispensary on one side and we will operate the other side as a workforce training space. Our business model is to have Chelsea residents and have people previously impacted by the War on Drugs benefitting from this proposal. There are certain types of offenses that disqualify people from being hired by Western Front, but a conviction for possession of marijuana would not prohibit them.”

The proposal at the moment is for a medical marijuana dispensary to operate, but Flaherty said they would like to become a recreational facility if they can get the financing and approvals. For now, though, they will be apply for medical.

The workforce training center will exist to educate Chelsea residents about how to get involved and qualified to work in the burgeoning marijuana industry.

The proposal, Flaherty stressed, is unique in that it is meant to benefit people in Chelsea that have been disproportionately harmed by the War on Drugs in the past.

He said they haven’t signed a Host Community Agreement with the City yet, but he said a standard condition is a 3 percent impact fee. Another 3 percent fee would be imposed as a local sales tax option. Other mitigation could come if the proposal is approved.

Flaherty said they will have 24/7 video and audio surveillance, with steel doors and a security guard on site.

After the community meeting, if there is not major opposition, the proposal would move to a full application with the state. If approved there, the application would come back to the Chelsea Planning Board for a Special Permit.

More than 13,000 people came to Suffolk Downs this weekend to enjoy live thoroughbred racing and a food truck festival.

And what a show it was. There was a carnival-like atmosphere on two hot summer days at the popular East Boston racetrack.

Longtime horseracing fans stood trackside next to some some young families who were getting their first, up-close look at what was once one of the most popular sports in the United States. The Kentucky Derby, for example, is still often called “most exciting two minutes in all of sports.”

Chief of Operations Chip Tuttle, a giant in the industry of horse racing, was very pleased with the large turnout on both days. He said the food trucks are always a nice draw that gives people variety over the standard racetrack faire.

There had been some concern at mid-week that the weekend of racing might not materialize after the State Legislature failed to vote on the measure during the last day (July 31) of its legislative session. But the legislature met informally Thursday to reinstate the law and Gov. Charlie Baker signed it, thus allowing for simulcasting and live racing to resume.

“Thankfully it was taken care of quickly and we appreciate the work of the House leadership, and the Senate, and the governor to get it remedied in less than 48 years hours,” said Tuttle. “We thank Speaker DeLeo for his efforts especially.”

Tuttle said that Suffolk has a request before the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to add another weekend of live racing on Sept. 15-16. “It’s on the Commission’s agenda for their meeting on Aug. 14,” said Tuttle. “We’d really like to run one more weekend. There’s certainly funding to do it in the Racehorse Development Fund and it helps the local horsemen, the Massachusetts breeders. They don’t have as many opportunities to run for purse money as they like and we’re doing our best to accommodate them.”

Tuttle said that Suffolk Downs will be open through the end of the year (2018) for simulcasting.

“And we’re already in discussions with both the horsemen and HYM [the real estate company that will be redeveloping the Suffolk property] about dates for the first half of 2019,” he added.

Live horse racing and simulcasting took a topsy-turvy ride over a period of 48 hours last week, when the Sport of Kings became illegal in the Commonwealth for the first time in generations.

All of it came as a result of the State Legislature’s run up to the end of its two-year Legislative session on Tuesday and into Wednesday (July 31 and Aug. 1) night Ð and it was a frustrating end for Speaker Bob DeLeo, who said they waited all night for the Senate to send back an approved Racing Bill.

It was considered a non-controversial, annual renewal, but it was a wait that proved fruitless and frustrating for the Speaker.

When the bell sounded to end the session, racing hadn’t been done, and that technically made it illegal Ð something with dire consequences for Suffolk Downs and Plainridge Race Course, both of which had major racing events last week.

“We were waiting for it to come back from the Senate so we could vote on it,” DeLeo said this week. “It never made it back to the House for a final vote so that there would be no disruption in racingÉI have to say, it was very frustrating to be waiting all night for the legislation to come back and it never did. I know that things get lost. I appreciate that, but we’re talking about people’s livelihoods and people who rely on that paycheck. I thought it was important that got done and that’s why we moved so quickly to get it straightened out the next day on the governor’s desk to sign by mid-day.”

Indeed, by Thursday afternoon, racing had been restored, and DeLeo said that was because he and his team moved immediately all night long to make sure it passed.

It didn’t stop the talk, however, about why Senate President Karen Spilka hadn’t taken up a matter so important to Speaker DeLeo’s district in a session that ended with a bit of animosity between the two bodies Ð particularly on the failure to pass an education funding and health care bill by the end of session.

Some inside sources have said that it was retribution from Spilka to DeLeo for not passing certain things that were important to her Ð essentially, they said, making racing a pawn in a larger political spat.

DeLeo played that down, however, this week, saying only, “We were just awaiting the documents from the Senate.”

Spilka told the State House News Service last week that racing was simply one of many bills that failed to pass before the session’s end.

“Just like every single year, we don’t always get to everything,” she said to State House News.

Suffolk Downs COO Chip Tuttle said he was glad to see that the matter was quickly resolved, which meant that it didn’t disrupt Suffolk’s weekend of live racing Saturday and Sunday.

“We want to thank the House, Senate and Governor for addressing this today and we’re looking forward to two great days of racing this weekend,” he said late on Thursday.

But Suffolk, Plainridge and Raynham didn’t get there without sweating it out for a period of many hours when their product has suddenly become unauthorized.

The letter said that the Commonwealth’s legislation for live racing and simulcasting had expired on July 31 at midnight and no action had been taken to renew or replace it.

“As of today, there is not statutory authorization for live horse racing or simulcasting in the Commonwealth,” read the letter. “Please be advised that until further notice from the Gaming Commission, simulcasting in all forms under any license at your facilities is suspended. Further, live racing at Suffolk Downs and Plainridge Park is also suspended until further notice.”

The MGC added the item as an emergency agenda item for its meeting on Aug. 2, in Springfield, but as they got to the matter, DeLeo had straightened everything out.

Getting it fixed was the main point of the matter, DeLeo said this week.

“Suffolk did have a very big live racing weekend coming up, but for meÉwe have a number of people who live and work in my district who quite frankly live paycheck to paycheck and can’t afford even one day without that paycheck,” he said. “That’s very important and that’s why the very next day we worked to get it passed on signed by the governor.”

The Racing/Simulcast legislation doesn’t sunset again until July 31, 2019.

Celebrate DCR’s 125th birthday by exploring your state park system during the month of August. There are some wonderful programs happening statewide – below are few highlights! For more information check out the DCR event and program calendar (https://www.mass.gov/service-details/upcoming-programs-and-events)! Also, be sure to check out the DCR Waterfront Services Schedule for 2018 (https://www.mass.gov/doc/waterfront-services-schedule-may-2018) for a complete listing of waterfront services.

The following local parks are holding events.

Revere Beach

Reservation

Shorebird Surprises-

Afternoons

Aug. 21 1-2:30 p.m.

Explore beautiful Revere Beach for birds of the beach and shore. Walk up to three miles on the beach, on mud flats and paths. Some binoculars and a spotting scope will be provided but please bring these items if you have them. Suitable for adults and children ages 10 and older accompanied by an adult.

Meet at: Revere Beach Reservation, across the street from One Carey Circle on the sidewalk of the semicircular parking lot. Accessible by MBTA Bus # 441 or 442 to Point of Pines stop: Cross street, turn right and walk approximately 0.3 miles to the sidewalk of the semicircular parking lot across the street from One Carey Circle. Visit www.MBTA.com.

Impact Travel workshop

Saturday, Aug. 11

10:30-1 p.m.

Join HI Boston and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation for an Impact Travel workshop! Take part in a morning of art through mindfulness on Revere Beach and discover the connection between travel and the local environment with DCR staff. Then participate in a facilitated discussion led by HI Boston staff on how to become a more environmental traveler, and share your thoughts over lunch! This event is FREE and open to the public! Light lunch will be served. However, space is limited so register soon to save your spot! Recommended for adults and teens, but all ages welcome. (Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult) For more information and to register, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/impact-travel-workshop-tickets-46941868392.

For more information and with questions contact: Educational Programs at HI Boston, liora.norwich@hiusa.org, (617) 230-5798.

Meet At: Outside at the front entrance of One Eliot Circle, Revere, MA (the tan house at the corner of Dolphin Avenue) *Optional meet up at 9:45am at HI Boston, 19 Stuart St., 02116. From HI we will proceed together to Revere on public transit.

Belle Isle Marsh

Reservation

An Oasis for Birds

Saturday, Aug. 18,

8 -9 a.m.

Discover the abundant birdlife at Belle Isle Marsh Reservation, a restored wildlife sanctuary. We will walk while birding for a distance of a mile on easy level terrain. Some binoculars and a spotting scope will be provided but please bring these items if you have them. Reasonable accommodations available upon request. Suitable for adults and children ages 10 and older accompanied by an adult.

Meet at: On or near the boardwalk to the right of the Bulletin Board, located on Bennington Street, East Boston between address 1236 Bennington St., East Boston and 173 Bennington St., Revere. Parking is on a paved lot and is free of charge. Accessible by public transportation: MBTA Blue line, Beachmont Station. Exit station, turn right, at intersection, cross State Road/Bennington Street, travel right along Bennington Street to park entrance on the left. Visit www.MBTA.com for bus and train information.

Co-sponsored by the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh.

Lynn Shore and Nahant Beach Reservation

Exploration Station at the Ward Bathhouse

Saturday, Aug. 18,

1:30 -3:30 p.m.

Learn from a Park Interpreter about the rich cultural history of Nahant Beach andor the nature you may encounter at the Reservation at a station with natural objects and activities. You may arrive at any time from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. on the dates listed. Suitable for all ages.

Meet at: Inside the James J. Ward Bath House located on the Don John Aliferis Memorial Rotary aka Lynnway Rotary, Lynn MA. Daily Parking Fee applies. For a map of the park and information about parking fees visit www.mass.gov/dcr. Please note that the entrance to the parking lot along Nahant Beach is at the South end of the beach.

Exploration Station at the Halfway Bathhouse

Friday, Aug. 24

10 a.m.- noon

Learn from a Park Interpreter about the nature you may encounter at the beach and how you can be good stewards of the environment at a station with natural objects and activities. You may arrive at any time from 10:00 a.m.-Noon on the dates listed. Suitable for all ages.

Meet at: Outside at the Halfway Bathhouse located at the approximate midpoint of Nahant Beach. Daily Parking Fee applies. For a map of the park and information about parking fees visit www.mass.gov/dcr. Please note that the entrance to the parking lot along Nahant Beach is at the South end of the beach

Winthrop Shores

Reservation-Short Beach

What Lies Beneath the Sea-Afternoons

Wednesday, Aug. 22 2-3 p.m.

Did you know that barnacles are an animal that sweeps its legs through the water to catch its food consisting of tiny floating plants and animals? Discover what animals lay beneath the sea on this tide pool exploration and learn how these animals struggle for survival and satisfy their voracious appetites. Be prepared for walking on rocky and slippery ground and getting your feet wet. Some nets will be provided but bring a net if you have one. Suitable for children ages 5 and older accompanied by an adult.

Meet at: Short Beach section of Winthrop Shores Reservation, Winthrop, MA, (Beachside on the sidewalk near the boundary between Revere Street, Winthrop, MA and Winthrop Parkway, Revere MA). Parking is free of charge but limited on the street and in a small lot across the street. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh.

What Lies Beneath the Sea-Mornings

Wednesday, Aug. 15 9-10 a.m.

Did you know that barnacles are an animal that sweeps its legs through the water to catch its food consisting of tiny floating plants and animals? Discover what animals lay beneath the sea on this tide pool exploration and learn how these animals struggle for survival and satisfy their voracious appetites. Be prepared for walking on rocky and slippery ground and getting your feet wet. Some nets will be provided but bring a net if you have one. Suitable for children ages 5 and older accompanied by an adult.

Meet at: Short Beach section of Winthrop Shores Reservation, Winthrop, MA, (Beachside on the sidewalk near the boundary between Revere Street, Winthrop, MA and Winthrop Parkway, Revere MA). Parking is free of charge but limited on the street and in a small lot across the street.

Jose Cruz is quiet at the first impression, but he is intentional about and committed to improving his community.

At 13-years old and a student at the Browne Middle School, “Josey” called by those who know him well, has been volunteering at the Chelsea Walk with artist Silvia Lopez Chavez since the beginning of the project. Throughout sweltering hot days, Josey has been on scene helping the artist prime and paint the transformative mural which will make everyone in Chelsea proud.

Josey is the president of the Explorer Post 109, a community service and leadership club for Chelsea adolescents, teens and young adults. He exemplifies all of the good in Chelsea youth Ð respectful, kind and committed to helping out. He has aspirations to become an aeronautical engineer. Every person who walks by says “hello” to Josey and remarks about what a “nice kid” he is.

Josey is just one of the dedicated people who are working to ensure this mural is led by and created for the community.

Dimitris Meletlidis, owner of Broadway House of Pizza, was skeptical about the Chelsea Walk Revitalization Project when he was first approached about the idea. Now, he is one of the project’s biggest proponents.

Dimitris, came from Greece in 1981 and attended Northeastern University where he earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in electrical engineering. He and his family purchased the Chelsea locale in 1987, just a few doors down from its present location. When the existing building became available, he bought it and opened up the thriving business he has run for the last 30-plus years. He also owns Prattville Pizza as well as locations in Revere and West Roxbury.

Dimitris comes to Chelsea twice a day and often is here until midnight or later. He knows practically everyone in the city, quickly chatting up teenagers, adults and the elderly alike. With a twinkle in his eye and a quick laugh, he says, “I’ve known this guy since he was practically a baby, always coming in for pizza!”

It is no surprise Meletlidis feels a strong sense of ownership and connection to Chelsea and the Chelsea Walk. He checks out the progress of the transformation daily and has donated pizza for Artist Silvia Lopez Chavez and the multitude of volunteers she’s had on hand over the past week.

Previously unsure of the project, now just like the Chelsea Walk’s transformation, Meletlidis is changing his mind and thinking it might just be nice to have the mural extend to the back of his building too.

As a proud husband and father of two Ð a son studying at Amherst and a daughter studying law at Suffolk Ð Meletlidis exemplifies the theme behind Lopez Chavez’ mural “A City of Dreams.”

The mural takes inspiration from the diverse multi-cultural background of Chelsea people, a city which has welcomed immigrants from various countries for many years, working together to promote inclusivity, diversity and tolerance.

On Aug. 2, at 9 a.m., CPD officers were dispatched to 738 Broadway for the report of a female party who had been in the bathroom and refused to leave. Officers spoke to the supervisor who runs the program at the church who told the officers that the female was not welcome anymore and needed to go. The officers entered the bathroom and observed the woman with multiple packets of drugs on her person and in the toilet. She was placed under arrest.

Ashley Tyler, 30, of 92 Park St., was charged with possession of a Class A drug, distribution of a Class B drug and one warrant.

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CLIMBING THE LADDER, THE WRONG WAY

On Aug. 3, at 2 a.m., CPD officersÊresponded to a call for a report of two men who were stealing ladders off of the property at 127 Division St. Officers searched the area and observed two males that fit the description with an orange ladder next to them. They were both placed under arrest.

Jesus Palacios-Leiva, 24, of 128 Shurtleff St., was charged with larceny over $250, trespassing and giving a false name.

Salvador Pineda, 30, of Revere, was charged with larceny over $250 and trespassing.

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ASSAULTED OFFICER, WANTED BY ICE

On Aug. 5, at 12:40 p.m.,Êwhile patrolling in the area of Essex and Hawthorne streets, CPD officers observed what appeared to be a verbal argument between a male and a female. As the officers approached, the man aggressively approached the driver side door of the vehicle. The subject refused the officers’ orders to back away and pushed the officer; he then grabbed a trash barrel.ÊWhile attempting to place the suspect under arrest, he struck both officers. He was eventually taken into custody. He was charged with assaulting a police officer, malicious destruction of property. It was later determined that ICE wanted the male for federal violations.

Elias Vincente-Morales, 21, of 78 Essex St., was charged with malicious destruction of property under $250, assault and battery on a police officer and one immigration detainer.

TOSSED BEER CANS AND FLED

On July 24, at 2 a.m.,a CPD officer while on Suffolk Street observed a male while standing next to his running car throw empty beer cans on the road, then drive away at a high rate of speed. After the car was observed committing several more vehicle infractions, it was pulled over. The operator attempted to flee the vehicle and was placed under arrest.

Abraham Lopez Rojop, 24, of 1A Clinton St., was charged with speeding, failing to stop for police, possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle, unlicensed operation, negligent operation, and three stop-sign violations.

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NO SERVICE AT THE BAR

On July 24, at 6 p.m., officers responded to the Los Amigos restaurant on Broadway for an unwanted party. Management told the officers that the female entered the bar and was highly intoxicated. Officers arrived and attempted to escort her off the property when she became disorderly. She was placed under arrest.

On July 25, at 6:40 p.m., a CPD officer, noticed an unregistered vehicle double parked in Bellingham Square. The officer pulled the car over. The operator did not have a valid license. He was placed under arrest. The officer also seized a folding knife from his person.

On July 26, at 8:20 p.m., officers responded to the Chung Wah restaurant on Broadway for a disturbance. The officers placed a male under arrest after the subject struck a female patron with a sign. The suspect was said to be calling the victim a gang member as he assaulted her.

Edwin Ibanez, 30, of 589 Broadway, was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct and assault and battery.

With this past week’s high temperatures and high humidity, those of us who work and live in air conditioned buildings have had a lot to be thankful for.

Even a sojourn to the beach offers no relief from the heat, thanks to the prevailing southwest winds that blow hot air across the sand toward the ocean along our East-facing coastline of the Boston areaÊ

Still, as unbearable as this stretch has been for many people — and let’s not forget that hot weather kills more people than cold — does anyone doubt that in January, all of us will be pining for the heat of early August?

With just three weeks left until the Labor Day weekend, we do not have many more days of summer left. So let’s enjoy our Triple-H weather (hazy, hot, and humid) while we can. In the words of the early-’60s song by the great Nat King Cole: